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Bible Pathways - March 13, 2007

God speaks to Joshua; spies sent to Jericho; pledge between the spies and Rahab; Israel crosses the Jordan River

Joshua was born into Egyptian slavery. While the majority were complaining and finding fault with Moses during their desert trials, Joshua remained a faithful coworker with Moses.

Israel's first encounter with the Canaanites in the promised land was at the powerful walled city of Jericho. The people of Jericho had heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites . . . whom ye utterly destroyed (Joshua 2:10). Rahab said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land. . . . for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath (2:9-11). She then turned from her false gods, left her life as a prostitute, and trusted in the mercy of the One True God. It was no accident that the spies came to her home to bring God's protection upon her and her family.

Because of her faith in the Lord, Rahab became an ancestor of King David and was included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5; Luke 3:32). She is listed in the Faith Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11:31).

Moses gave up life in the palace and possibly his right to be a Pharaoh of Egypt, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season (short time); Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt (11:25-26). Joshua remained faithful to God even when the majority threatened to kill him (Numbers 14:6-10). Moses, Joshua and Rahab forsook their sins, lived to please the Lord, and made themselves available for God to accomplish His will through them.

All of us have faced, or will face, choices similar to those of Moses, Joshua and Rahab. Let us not be like the majority, but looking diligently (carefully) lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane (godless) person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat (food) sold his birthright (Hebrews 12:15-16).

Through the scarlet line in the window that saved Rahab and her household — symbolic of the blood of Christ (Joshua 2:21; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).